Your Top Cataract Surgery Questions Answered

Back to Blog

If you are a couple of steps ahead, and already know you have cataracts, you might be considering surgery. Cataract surgery can seem scary, but it is the most commonly performed surgery in the United States and can have amazing outcomes! Below are some frequently asked questions to help you decide if cataract surgery is right for you.

 

What if I forego cataract surgery?

If you decide against having cataract surgery, your cataracts can continue to worsen as time goes on, and your vision will continue to decline. As cataracts worsen, glasses will not be able to correct your vision. Cataracts can impact your ability to drive and your overall quality of life.

 

Will I still need glasses after cataract surgery?

To know if you will still need corrective lenses after cataract surgery depends on many factors. With advancing technology, it is possible to have an advanced cataract procedure that allows for a range of vision, meaning you may not need glasses after surgery. At your appointment, your eye doctor will go through all of the lens options with you and find the best option for your lifestyle, and your eyes. At Chu Vision Institute, we offer a variety of lens options to suit your needs as well as laser assisted cataract surgery. You can learn more about our options here.

 

Will cataract surgery hurt?

Cataract surgery is a fast procedure, typically taking less than 20 minutes. You are given topical anesthesia and will be under mild sedation to help you relax and keep your surgery pain free. Most patients describe the feeling of cataract surgery as a sensation of light pressure in the eye.

 

Is cataract surgery expensive?

Once your cataracts are visually significant, meaning they are decreasing your vision enough to impose on your daily life, your insurance should contribute to the cost associated with cataract surgery. Your eye doctor will continue to monitor your cataracts until they are significant enough to be covered by insurance.

 

Other cost considerations include the type of lens you choose, or the type of cataract surgery you proceed with. As mentioned earlier, technology is continuously advancing, and a variety of lens types are available. Laser assisted cataract surgery and specialty lenses may require additional costs but are likely worth it if you lead an active lifestyle and do not want to rely on contacts or glasses.

 

It is important to discuss costs and options prior to proceeding with surgery to make sure you are comfortable with your choices. When choosing a surgeon to perform your cataract surgery, you can also find out about payment options and payment plans to help make your procedure more affordable.

 

If you want to hear a patient’s perspective on cataract surgery at Chu Vision Institute, watch Scott’s story below.

Chu Vision Patient Stores - Scott

Find your true north with New Vision.

Dr. Ralph Chu LASIK surgeon Minneapolis Ophthalmologists

Board-certified ophthalmologist Dr. Ralph Chu is a fellowship-trained corneal specialist and a nationally recognized leader in refractive and cataract procedures. His specialty areas include cataract, LASIK, cornea, and minimally invasive glaucoma surgeries for patients in the Minneapolis, St. Paul, and Twin Cities areas.

Posted on October 11, 2022

I’m curious and want more information.

  • Get clear helpful info.
  • No spam.
  • AND one of our awesome patient experts will check in: concierge care is our thing!

Fill in your info and we'll take it from here:

MM slash DD slash YYYY
Consent